<w 


F-46.205 


1&32 


FROM    THE   LIBRARY   OF 


REV.    LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON,   D.  D. 


BEQUEATHED    BY   HIM   TO 


THE    LIBRARY   OF 


PRINCETON   THEOLOGICAL   SEMINARY 


Division  <ZCl3 


/- 


« .  % 


V 


HYM3\$  ^> 


FOR 


INFANT  MINDS, 


CHIEFLY  BY  THE  AUTHOR  OF  ORIGINAL  POEMS,  RHYMM 
FOR  THE  NURSERY,  &C. 


"  We  use  great  plainness  of  speech." 


REVISED  EY    THE   COMMITTEE    OF    PUBLICATION  OF   TH 
AMERICAN  S.  S.  UNION. 


AMERICAN  SUNDAY  SCHOOL  UNION 

NO.  146  CHESNUT  STREET, 
1832. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2012  with  funding  from 

Princeton  Theological  Seminary  Library 


http://archive.org/details/infantmiOOtayl 


HYMNS, 


FOR 


INFANT  MINDS. 


COMING  TO  JESUS. 

Jesus,  that  condescending  King, 
Is  pleas'd  to  hear  when  children  sing, 
And  while  our  feeble  voices  rise, 
Will  not  our  humble  prayer  despise. 

Then  keep  us,  Lord,  from  every  sin, 
Which  we  can  see  and  feel  within^ 
And  what  we  neither  feel  nor  see, 
Forgive,  for  all  is  known  to  thee. 

We  own  there's  nothing  good  in  us, 
To  tempt  thee  to  befriend  us  thus: 
For  sin  and  folly  waste  our  days, 
Our  prayers  are  weak,  and  poor  our  praise: 
a  2 


HYMNS. 


Yet,  Lord,  we  humbly  venture  nigh, 
Because  thou  earnest  down  to  die: 
And  all  the  plea  we  dare  to  make 
Is  " pardon  for  thy  mercy's  sake." 


2. 

44  EARLY  WILL  I  SEEK  THEE." 

Now  that  my  journey's  just  begun, 

My  road  so  little  trod, 
I'll  come  before  I  further  run, 

And  give  myself  to  God. 

And,  lest  I  should  be  ever  led 
Through  sinful  paths  to  stray, 

I  would  at  once  begin  to  tread 
In  wisdom's  pleasant  way. 

What  sorrows  may  my  steps  attend 

I  never  can  foretell: 
But  if  the  Lord  will  be  my  friend, 

I  know  that  all  is  well. 

If  all  my  earthly  friends  should  die, 
And  leave  me  mourning  herej 


Since  God  can  hear  the  orphan's  cry, 
0  what  have  I  to  fear? 

If  I  am  poor,  he  can  supply 
Who  has  my  table  spread; 

Who  feeds  the  ravens  when  they  cry 
And  fills  his  poor  with  bread. 

If  I  am  rich,  He'll  guard  my  heart, 

Temptation  to  withstand; 
And  make  me  willing  to  impart 

The  bounties  of  his  hand. 

But,  Lord,  whatever  grief  or  ill 

For  me  may  be  in  store, 
Make  me  submissive  to  thy  will, 

And  I  would  ask  no  more. 

Attend  me  through  my  youthful  way, 

Whatever  be  my  lot; 
And  when  I'm  feeble,  old  and  gray, 

0  Lord,  forsake  me  not 

Then  still,  as  seasons  hasten  by, 

1  will  for  heaven  prepare; 

That  God  may  take  me  when  I  die, 
To  dwell  for  ever  there. 


HYMNS. 


3. 

FOR  A  VERY  LITTLE  CHILD. 

0  that  it  were  my  chief  delight 
To  do  the  things  I  ought! — 

Then  let  me  try  with  all  my  might 
To  mind  what  I  am  taught. 

Wherever  I  am  told  to  go, 

I'll  cheerfully  obey: 
Nor  will  I  mind  it  much,  although 

I  leave  a  pretty  play. 

When  I  am  bid,  I'll  freely  bring 

Whatever  I  have  got; 
And  never  touch  a  pretty  thing, 

If  mother  tells  me  not. 

When  she  permits  me,  1  may  tell 

About  my  little  toys; 
But  if  she's  busy  or  unwell, 

I  must  not  make  a  noise. 

And  when  I  learn  my  hymns  to  say, 
And  work,  and  read,  and  spell, 


HYMNS, 

1  will  not  think  about  my  play, 
But  try  and  do  it  well : 

For  God  looks  down  from  heaven  on  high, 

Our  actions  to  behold; 
And  he  is  pleased  when  children  try 

To  do  as  they  are  told. 


4 


FOR  A  CHILD  WHO  HAS  BEEN  VERY   NAUGHTY. 

Lord,  I  confess  before  thy  face 

How  naughty  I  have  been: 
Look  down  from  heaven,  thy  dwelling  pla^v, 

And  pardon  this  my  sin. 

Forgive  my  temper,  Lord,  I  pray, 

My  passion  and  my  pride; 
The  wicked  words  I  dar'd  to  say, 

And  wicked  thoughts  beside. 

I  cannot  lay  me  down  to  rest 

In  quiet  on  my  bed, 
Until,  with  shame,  I  have  confest 

The  naughty  things  I  said. 


10  HYMNS. 

The  Saviour  answer'd  not  a^ain, 
Nor  spoke  an  angry  word, 

To  all  the  scoft's  of  wicked  men, 
Although  he  was  their  Lord ! 

And  who  am  I,  a  sinful  child, 
Such  angry  words  to  say! — 

Make  me  as  mild  as  he  was  mild, 
And  take  my  pride  away. 

For  Jesus'  sake  forgive  my  crime, 
And  change  this  stubborn  heart; 

And  grant  me  grace,  another  time, 
To  act  a  better  part. 


"  OUR  FATHER,   WHO  ART   IN  HEAVEN." 

Great  God,  and  wilt  thou  condescend 
To  be  my  Father,  and  my  Friend? — 
I  but  a  child,  and  thou  so  high, 
The  Lord  of  earth,  and  air,  and  sky! 


HYMNS.  11 

Art  thou  my  Father?  Canst  thou  bear 
To  hear  my  poor,  imperfect  prayer; 
Or  stoop  to  listen  to  the  praise 
That  such  a  little  one  can  raise? 

Art  thou  my  Father?     Let  me  be 

A  meek,  obedient  child  to  thee; 

And  try,  in  word,  and  deed,  and  thought, 

To  serve  and  please  thee  as  I  ought. 

Art  thou  my  Father?     I'll  depend 
Upon  the  care  of  such  a  friend; 
And  only  wish  to  do,  and  be, 
Whatever  seemeth  good  to  thee. 

Art  thou  my  Father?   Then  at  last, 
When  all  my  days  on  earth  are  past, 
Send  down,  and  take  me  in  thy  love, 
To  be  thy  better  child,  above. 


12 


HYMNS.  13 

6. 

a  child's  hymn  of  praise. 

I  thank  the  goodness  and  the  grace 
Which  on  my  birth  have  smil'd, 

And  made  me  in  these  christian  days, 
A  free  and  happy  child. 

I  was  not  born,  as  thousands  are, 

Where  God  was  never  known; 
And  taught  to  pray  a  useless  prayer, 

To  blocks  of  wood  and  stone. 

I  was  not  born  a  little  slave, 

To  labour  in  the  sun, 
And  wish  I  were  but  in  the  grave, 

And  all  my  labour  done! 

I  was  not  born  without  a  home, 

Or  in  some  broken  shed; 
A  gipsy  baby  taught  to  roam, 

And  stea]  my  daily  bread. 

B 


14 


My  God,  I  thank  thee,  who  hast  plann'd 

A  better  lot  for  me, 
And  plac'd  me  in  this  happy  land, 

And  where  I  hear  of  thee. 


7. 

ENCOURAGEMENT  FOR  LITTLE  CHILDREN. 

God  is  so  good  that  he  will  hear 
Whenever  children  humbly  pray: 

He  always  lends  a  gracious  ear 

To  what  the  youngest  child  can  say. 

His  own  most  holy  Book  declares 
He  loves  good  little  children  still, 

And  that  he  listens  to  their  prayers, 
Just  as  a  tender  father  will. 

He  loves  to  hear  an  infant  tongue 
Thank  him  for  all  his  mercies  given; 

And  when  by  babes  his  praise  is  sung, 
Their  cheerful  songs  are  heard  in  heaven. 


HYMNS. 


15 


Come,  then,  dear  children,  trust  his  word, 
And  seek  him  for  your  friend  and  guide; 

Your  little  voices  will  be  heard, 
And  you  shall  never  be  deny'd, 


8. 


THE  BIBLE. 


This  is  a  precious  book  indeed! 
Happy  the  child  that  loves  to  read ! 
?Tis  God's  own  word,  which  he  has  given 
To  show  our  souls  the  way  to  heaven! 


16  HYMNS. 

It  tells  us  how  the  world  was  made; 
And  how  good  men  the  Lord  obey'd; 
There  his  commands  are  written  too, 
To  teach  us  what  we  ought  to  do. 

It  bids  us  all  from  sin  to  fly, 
Because  our  souls  can  never  die; 
It  points  to  heaven,  where  angels  dwell; 
And  warns  us  to  escape  from  hell. 

But,  what  is  more  than  all  beside, 
The  Bible  tells  us  Jesus  died! 
This  is  its  best,  its  chief  intent, 
To  lead  poor  sinners  to  repent. 

Be  thankful,  children,  that  you  may 
Read  this  good  Bible  every  day; 
'Tis  God's  own  word,  which  he  has  given 
To  show  your  souls  the  way  to  heaven. 


9. 

AGAINST  WANDERING  THOUGHTS. 

When  daily  I  kneel  down  to  pray 
As  I  am  taught  to  do, 


HYMNS.  IT 

God  does  not  care  for  what  I  say, 
Unless  I  feel  it  too. 

Yet  foolish  thoughts  my  heart  beguile; 

And  when  I  pray,  or  sing, 
I'm  often  thinking,  all  the  while, 

About  some  other  thing. 

Some  idle  play,  or  childish  toy, 

Can  send  my  thoughts  abroad; 
Though  this  should  be  my  greatest  joy, 

To  love  and  seek  the  Lord. 

Oh!  let  me  never,  never,  dare 

To  act  the  trifler's  part; 
Or  think  that  God  will  hear  a  prayer 

That  comes  not  from  my  heart; 

But  if  I  make  His  ways  my  choice, 

As  holy  children  do, 
Then,  while  I  seek  him  with  my  voice, 

My  heart  will  love  him  too. 

b  2 


18 


"a  broken  and  contrite  heart,   o  god, 

thou  wilt  not  despise." 
Though  God  preserves  me  ev'ry  hour, 

And  feeds  me  day  by  day, 
I  know  it  is  not  in  my  power 

His  goodness  to  repay. 

The  poorest  child,  the  greatest  king, 

Alike  must  humbly  own, 
No  worthy  present  they  can  bring 

To  offer  at  his  throne; 

For  we,  and  all  our  treasures  too, 

Are  His  who  reigns  above: 
Then  is  there  nothing  I  can  do, 

To  prove  my  grateful  love? 

A  broken  heart  he'll  not  despise, 

For  'tis  his  chief  delight: 
This  is  a  humble  sacrifice, 

Well  pleasing  in  his  sight. 

Though  treasures  brought  before  his  throne 
Would  no  acceptance  find, 


HYMNS  19 


He  kindly  condescends  to  own 
A  meek  and  lowly  mind. 

This  is  an  offering  we  may  bring, 

However  mean  our  store: 
The  poorest  child,  the  greatest  king, 

Can  give  him  nothing  more. 


11. 

A  MORNING  HYMN, 

My  Father,  I  thank  thee  for  sleep, 

For  quiet  and  peaceable  rest: 
I  thank  thee  for  stooping  to  keep 
An  infant  from  being  distrest: 
0  how  can  a  poor  little  creature  repay 
Thy  fatherly  kindness  by  night  and  by  day! 

My  voice  would  be  lisping  thy  praise, 

My  heart  would  repay  thee  with  love: 
0  teach  me  to  walk  in  thy  ways, 
And  fit  me  to  see  thee  above; 
For  Jesus  said,    "Let  little  children  come 

nigh;" 
And  he  will  not  despise  such  an  infant  as  I. 


20  HYMNS. 

As  long  as  thou  seest  it  right 

That  here  upon  earth  I  should  stay, 
I  pray  thee  to  guard  me  by  night, 
And  help  me  to  serve  thee  by  day; 
That  when  all  the  days  of  niy  life  shall  have 

pass'd, 
I  may  worship  thee  better,  in  heaven,  at  last. 


12. 

AN  EVENING   HYMN. 

Lord,  I  have  pass'd  another  day, 

And  come  to  thank  thee  for  thy  care: 

Forgive  my  faults  in  work  and  play, 
And  listen  to  my  evening  prayer. 

Thy  favour  gives  me  daily  bread, 

And  friends,  who  all  my  wants  supply; 

And  safely  now  I  rest  my  head, 
Preserv'd  and  guarded  by  thine  eye. 

Look  down  in  pity,  and  forgive 
Whate'er  I've  said  or  done  amiss; 

And  help  me,  every  day  I  live, 
To  serve  thee  better  than  in  this. 


HYMNS.  21 

Now,  while  I  sleep,  be  pleas'd  to  take 
A  helpless  child  beneath  thy  care; 

And  condescend,  for  Jesus'  sake, 
To  listen  to  my  evening  pray'r. 


13. 

FOR    A  CHILD  THAT    FEELS    IT    HAS  A    WICKED 
HEART. 

What  is  there,  Lord,  a  child  can  do, 

Who  feels  with  guilt  opprest? 
There's  evil,  that  I  never  knew 

Before,  within  my  breast. 

My  thoughts  are  vain;  my  heart  is  hard; 

My  temper  apt  to  rise; 
And,  when  I  seem  upon  my  guard, 

It  takes  me  by  surprise. 

Often  when  I  begin  to  pray, 

And  lift  my  feeble  cry, 
Some  thought  of  folly,  or  of  play. 

Prevents  me  when  I  try. 

On  many  Sabbaths,  though  I've  heard 
Of  Jesus  and  of  heaven, 


22  HYMNS. 

I've  scarcely  listened  to  thy  word, 
Or  pray'd  to  be  forgiven ! 

0  look  with  pity  in  thine  eye 

Upon  a  heart  so  hard: 
Thou  wilt  not  slight  a  feeble  cry, 

Or  show  it  no  regard: 

The  work  I  cannot  undertake 

I  leave  to  thee  alone; 
And  pray  thee,  for  thy  mercy's  sake, 

To  change  this  heart  of  stone. 


14. 

AGAINST    ANGER    AND    IMPATIENCE. 

When,  for  some  little  insult  given, 

My  angry  passions  rise, 
I'll  think  how  Jesus  came  from  heaven, 

And  bore  his  injuries. 

He  was  insulted  every  day, 

Though  all  his  words  were  kind; 

But  nothing  men  could  do  or  say 
Disturb'd  his  heavenly  mind. 


HYMNS.  23 

Not  all  the  wicked  scoffs  he  heard 

Against  the  truths  he  taught, 
Excited  one  reviling  word, 

Or  one  revengeful  thought. 

And  when  upon  the  cross  he  bled, 

With  all  his  foes  in  view; 
6 "  Father,  forgive  their  sin,"  he  said 

"They  know  not  what  they  do." 

Dear  Jesus,  may  I  learn  of  thee 

My  temper  to  amend: 
And  speak  those  pardoning  words  for  me 

Whenever  I  offend. 

15. 

"turn    off    mine    eyes   from    beholding 

VANITY." 

Lord,  hear  a  sinful  child  complain, 
Whose  little  heart  is  very  vain, 

And  folly  dwells  within: 
What  is  it — for  thine  eye  can  see — 
That  is  so  very  dear  to  me; 
That  steals  my  thoughts  away  from  thee, 

And  leads  me  into  sin? 


24  HYMNS. 

Whatever  gives  me  most  delight, 
If  'tis  offensive  in  thy  sight, 

I  would  no  more  pursue: 
Since  nothing  can  be  good  for  me, 
However  pleasant  it  may  be, 
That  is  displeasing,  Lord,  to  thee, 

May  I  dislike  it  too. 

When  I  attempt  to  read  or  pray, 
Some  folly  leads  my  heart  astray, 

And  sends  my  thoughts  abroad: 
How  happy  are  the  saints  in  bliss, 
Who  love  no  sinful  world  like  this; 
But  all  their  joy  and  glory  is 

To  serve  and  praise  the  Lord! 

These  trifling  pleasures  here  below- 
I  wonder  why  I  love  them  so; 

They  cannot  make  me  blest: 
O  that  to  love  my  God  might  be 
The  greatest  happiness  to  me! 
And  may  he  give  me  grace  to  see 

That  this  is  not  my  rest. 


HYMNS. 


25 


16. 

ABOUT  GOD,   WHO    MADE    THE  SUN  AND  MOON 
Child. 

I  saw  the  glorious  sun  arise 

From  yonder  mountain  gray; 
And  as  he  travell'd  through  the  skies, 

The  darkness  fled  away; 
And  all  around  me  was  so  bright, 
I  wish'd  it  would  be  always  light. 

But  when  his  shining  course  was  done, 

The  gentle  moon  drew  nigh, 
And  stars  came  twinkling,  one  by  one, 

Upon  the  shady  sky, 


26  HYMNS. 

Who  made  the  sun  io  shine  so  far, 
The  moon,  and  every  twinkling  star? 

Mamma. 
Twas  God,  my  child,  who  made  them  all, 

By  his  almighty  hand: 
He  holds  them,  that  they  do  not  fall, 

And  bids  them  move  or  stand: 
That  glorious  God,  who  lives  afar, 
In  heav'n,  beyond  the  highest  star. 

Child. 
How  very  great  that  God  must  be, 

Who  rolls  them  through  the  air! 
Too  high,  Mamma,  to  notice  me, 

Or  listen  to  my  pray'r ! 
I  fear  he  will  not  condescend 
To  be  a  little  infant's  friend. 

Mamma. 
0  yes,  my  love;  for  though  he  made 

Those  wonders  in  the  sky, 
You  never  need  to  be  afraid 

He  should  neglect  your  cry; 
For  humble  as  a  child  may  be, 
A  praving  child  he  loves  to  see. 


HYMNS.  27 

Behold  the  daisy  where  you  tread, 

That  useless  little  thing; 
Behold  the  insects  overhead, 

That  gambol  in  the  spring: 
His  goodness  bids  the  daisy  rise, 
And  ev'ry  insect's  wants  supplies: 

And  will  he  not  descend  to  make 

A  feeble  child  his  care? 
Yes!  Jesus  died  for  children's  sake, 

And  loves  the  youngest  prayer. 
God  made  the  stars  and  daisies  too, 
And  watches  over  them  and  you. 


17. 

OX  ATTENDING  PUBLIC  WORSHIP. 

When  to  the  house  cf  God  we  go, 
To  hear  his  word,  and  sing  his  love, 

We  ought  to  worship  him  below, 
Like  all  the  saints  in  heaven  above. 

They  stand  before  his  presence  now, 
And  praise  him  better  far  than  we, 


28  HYMNS. 

Who  only  at  his  footstool  bow. 
And  love  him,  though  we  cannot  see. 

But  God  is  present  every  where, 

And  watches  all  our  thoughts  and  ways: 

He  sees  who  humbly  join  in  prayer, 
And  who  sincerely  sing  his  praise. 

And  he  the  triflers,  too,  can  see, 
Who  only  seem  to  take  a  part: 

They  move  the  lip,  and  bend  the  knee, 
But  do  not  seek  him  with  the  heart. 

O  may  we  never  trifle  so, 

Nor  lose  the  days  our  God  has  given; 
But  learn,  by  sabbaths  here  below, 

To  spend  eternity  in  heaven ! 


18. 

a  child's  humble  confession  and  prayer 

A  sinner,  Lord,  behold  I  stand; 

In  thought,  and  word,  and  deed ! 
But  Jesus  sits  at  thy  right  hand, 

For  such  to  intercede. 


HYMNS.  29 

From  early  infancy,  I  know, 

A  rebel  I  have  been; 
And  daily,  as  I  older  grow, 

I  fear  I  grow  in  sin. 

But  God  can  change  this  evil  heart, 

And  give  a  holy  mind, 
And  his  own  heavenly  grace  impart, 

Which  those  who  seek  shall  find. 

To  heaven  can  reach  the  softest  word — 

A  child's  repenting  prayer — 
For  tears  are  seen,  and  sighs  are  heard, 

And  thoughts  regarded,  there. 

Then  let  me  all  my  sins  confess, 

And  pardoning  grace  implore; 
That  I  may  love  my  follies  less, 

And  love  my  Saviour  more. 


19. 

ABOUT  DYING. 
Child 

Tell  me,  Mamma,  if  I  must  die, 
One  day,  as  little  baby  died; 


SO  KYMXS. 

And  look  so  very  pale,  and  lie, 

Down  in  the  pit-hole,  by  its  side? 
Shall  1  leave  dear  Papa  and  you, 

And  never  see  you  any  more? 
Tell  me.  Mamma,  if  this  is  true;, 
I  did  not  know  it  was  before. 

Mamma. 
'Tis  true,  my  love,  that  you  must  die; 

The  God  who  made  you,  says  you  must; 
And  every  one  of  us  shall  lie, 

Like  the  dear  baby,  in  the  dust. 

But  that  which  thinks  within  your  heart, 
And  made  you  ask  if  you  must  die, 

That  is  your  soul — the  better  part — 
Which  God  has  made  to  live  on  high. 

Those  who  have  lov'd  him  here  below, 
And  pray'd  to  have  their  sins  forgiven, 

And  done  his  holy  will,  shall  go, 
Like  happy  angels,  up  to  heaven. 

So,  while  our  bodies  moulder  here, 

Their  souls  with  God  himself  shall  dwell; 

But  always  recollect,  my  dear, 
That  wicked  people  go  to  hell. 


HYMNS. 


There  the  good  God  shall  never  smile, 
Nor  give  them  one  reviving  look; 

For  since  they  chose  to  be  so  vile, 
He  leaves  them  to  the  \va}r  they  took. 


20. 

"thou  god  seest  me." 

Amoxg  the  deepest  shades  of  night 
Can  there  be  one  who  sees  my  way? 

Yes;  God  is  like  a  shining  light, 
That  turns  the  darkness  into  day. 

When  every  eye  around  me  sleeps, 
May  I  not  sin  without  control? 

No;  for  a  constant  watch  He  keeps, 
On  every  thought  of  every  soul. 

If  I  could  find  some  cave  unknown, 
Where  human  feet  had  never  trod, 

Yet  there  I  could  not  be  alone; 
On  every  side  there  would  be  God. 

He  smiles  in  heaven;  He  frowns  to  hell; 
He  fills  the  air,  the  earth,  the  sea: 


3£  HYMNS. 

X  must  within  his  presence  dwell; 
I  cannot  from  his  anger  flee. 

Yet  I  may  flee — lie  shows  me  where; 

To  Jesus  Christ  he  bids  me  fly: 
And  while  I  seek  for  pardon  there, 

There's  only  mercy  in  his  eye. 


21. 

TO  A  LITTLE  SISTER,    ON  HER  BIRTH  DAY. 

My  love,  I  meet  this  happy  day 
With  pleasure,  and  with  pain: 

I  wish  to  learn  your  future  way, 
But  know  the  wish  is  vain. 

A  journey  which  can  never  end, 

You  have  but  just  begun; 
And  hand  in  hand  with  many  a  friend 

This  little  way  have  run: 

But  friends,  my  love,  how  vain  are  they! 

For  one  infected  breath 
May  snatch  the  tenderest  away, 

And  seal  them  up  in  death: 


Then  whither  should  my  darling  flyr5 

In  whom  may  she  confide? 
There  is  a  friend  above  the  sky, 

Who  waits  to  be  her  guide. 

His  eye  the  path  of  life  can  see, 

And  has  as  clear  a  view 
Of  joys  or  sorrows  yet  to  be, 

As  what  are  past  to  you. 

He  knows  the  point,  the  very  spot, 
Where  each  of  us  shall  fall; 

And  whose  shall  be  the  earliest  lot, 
And  whose  the  last  of  all. 

Dear  cherislvd  child!  if  you  should  have 

To  travel  far  alone, 
And  weep  by  turns  at  many  a  grave, 

Before  you  reach  your  own, 

May  He,  who  bade  you  weep,  be  nigh 

To  wipe  away  your  tears, 
And  point  you  to  a  world  on  high, 

Beyond  these  mournful  years! 

Yet,  if  it  be  his  holy  will, 
I  pray  that,  hand  in  hand, 


34  HYMNS. 

We  all  may  travel  many  a  hill 
Of  this  the  pilgrim's  land; 

With  Zion's  shining  gate  in  view, 
Through  every  danger  rise; 

And  form  a  family  anew, 
Unbroken,  in  the  skies. 


22. 

THE     GREAT    GOD,    WHO     MADE    ALL    THINGS, 
HEARS  MY  PRAYERS. 

How  kind,  in  all  his  works  and  ways, 

Must  our  Creator  be! 
I  learn  a  lesson  of  his  praise 

From  every  thing  I  see. 

Ten  thousand  creatures  by  his  hand 

Were  brought  to  life  at  first: 
His  skill  their  different  natures  plann'd, 

And  made  them  from  the  dust: 

He  condescends  to  do  them  good, 

And  pities  when  they  cry; 
For  all  their  wants  are  understood 

By  his  attentive  eye. 


HYMNS.  35 

And  can  so  kind  a  Father  frown  ? 

Will  he,  who  stoops  to  care 
For  little  sparrows  falling  down, 

Despise  an  infant's  prayer? 

No;  he  regards  the  feeblest  cry 

Nor  will  he  turn  away; 
But  listen  to  the  prayer  that  I 

A  little  child  may  say. 

0  make  me  try  to  love  the  Lord, 

And  turn  from  sinful  ways? 
And  seek  for  grace  to  know  his  word, 

And  serve  him  all  my  days. 

23. 

"  JESUS    CHRIST    CAME    INTO    THE    WORLD    TO 
SAVE  SINNERS." 

Lo,  at  noon  'tis  sudden  night! 

Darkness  covers  all  the  day! 
Rocks  are  rending  at  the  sight! 

Children,  can  you  tell  me  why? 
What  can  all  these  wonders  be? 
Jesus  dies  at  Calvary! 


30  HYMNS. 

Stretched  upon  the  cross,  behold 

How  his  tender  limbs  are  torn ! 
For  a  royal  crown,  of  gold, 

They  have  made  him  one  of  thorn! 
Cruel  hands,  that  dare  to  bind 
Thorns  upon  a  brow  so  kind ! 
See!  the  blood  is  falling  fast 

From  his  forehead  and  his  side! 
Listen!  he  has  breathed  his  last! 

With  a  mighty  groan  he  died ! 
Children,  shall  I  tell  you  why 
Jesus  condescends  to  die? 

He,  who  was  a  king  above, 

Left  his  kingdom  for  a  grave, 
Out  of  pity  and  of  love, 

That  the  guilty  he  might  save! 
Down  to  this  sad  world  he  flew, 
For  such  little  ones  as  you! 
You  were  wretched,  weak,  and  vile; 

You  deserved  his  holy  frown; 
But  he  saw  you  with  a  smile, 

And  to  save  you  hasten'd  down. 
Listen,  children;  this  is  why 
Jesus  condescends  to  die. 


HYMNS.  37 

24. 

SUMMER  AND  WINTER. 

When  sweet  summer  flowers  appear, 
We  wish  that  they  always  would  last; 
But  Winter  must  shortly  be  here, 
To  sweep  them  away  with  his  blast: 

Spring,  summer,  and  autumn  still  hasten  away; 

The  roses  must  fade,  and  the  blossoms  decay. 

In  heaven  no  winter  they  know 
To  wither  their  pleasures  away; 
The  plants  that  in  Paradise  grow 
Shall  blossom,  but  never  decay. 

Then  for  these  fading   pleasures  no  longer 
we'll  care, 

But  hope  we  shall  spend  an  eternity  there. 


25. 

LOVE    AND    DUTY     TO    PARENTS. 

My  Father,  my  Mother,  I  know 
I  cannot  your  kindness  repay: 

But  I  hope,  that,  as  older  I  grow, 
I  shall  learn  your  commands  to  obey. 

D 


You  lov'd  me  before  I  could  tell 
Who  it  was  that  so  tenderly  smil'd; 

But  now,  that  I  know  it  so  well, 
I  should  be  a  dutiful  child. 

I  am  sorry  that  ever  I  should 

Be  naughty,  and  give  you  such  pain; 
I  hope  I  shall  learn  to  be  good, 

And  so  never  grieve  you  again. 

But,  for  fear  that  I  ever  should  dare 
From  all  your  commands  to  depart, 

Whenever  I'm  saying  my  prayer 
I'll  ask  for  a  dutiful  heart. 


26. 

THE    DAY    OF    LIFE. 

The  morning  hours  of  cheerful  light, 

Of  all  the  day  are  best; 
But  as  they  speed  their  hasty  flight 
If  every  hour  is  spent  aright, 
We  sweetly  sink  to  sleep  at  night, 

And  pleasant  is  our  rest. 


And  life  is  like  a  summer's  day, 

It  seems  so  quickly  past; 
Youth  is  the  morning  bright  and  gay, 
And  if  'tis  spent  in  wisdom's  way, 
We  meet  old  age  without  dismay, 

And  death  is  sweet  at  last. 


21. 

THE   LITTLE  PILGRIM. 

There  is  a  path  that  leads  to  God, 

All  others  go  astray; 
Narrow,  but  pleasant,  is  the  road, 

And  Christians  love  the  way. 

It  leads  straight  through  this  world  of  sin, 

And  dangers  must  be  past; 
But  those  who  boldly  walk  therein 

Will  come  to  heaven  at  last 

How  shall  an  infant  pilgrim  dare 
This  dangerous  path  to  tread? 

For  on  the  way  is  many  a  snare 
For  youthful  travellers  spread; 


40  HYMNS. 

"While  the  broad  road  where  thousands  go, 

Lies  near,  and  opens  fair: 
And  many  turn  aside,  I  know, 

To  walk  with  sinners  there. 

But,  lest  my  feeble  steps  should  slide, 

Or  wander  from  thy  way, 
Lord,  condescend  to  be  my  guide, 

And  I  shall  never  stray. 


28 

AN  EVENING  HYMN  FOR  A  LITTLE  FAMIt*Y. 

Now  condescend,  Almighty  King, 

To  bless  this  little  throng; 
And  kindly  listen  while  we  sing 

Our  pleasant  evening  song. 

We  come  to  own  the  Power  divine 

That  watches  o'er  our  days: 
For  this  our  feeble  voices  join 

In  hymns  of  cheerful  praise. 


HYMNS. 


41 


Before  the  sacred  footstool  see 
We  bend  in  humble  prayer, 

A  happy  little  family, 
To  ask  thy  tender  care. 

May  we  in  safety  sleep  to-night, 

From  every  danger  free; 
Because  the  darkness  and  the  light 

Are  both  alike  to  thee. 

And  when  the  rising  sun  displays 

His  cheerful  beams  abroad, 
Then  shall  our  morning  hymn  of  praise 

Declare  thy  goodness,  Lord. 

Brothers  and  sisters,  hand  in  hand, 
Our  lips  together  move; 


42  HYMNS. 

Then  smile  upon  this  little  band, 
And  join  our  hearts  in  love. 

29. 

a  child's  lamentation  for  the  death  of 

a  dear  mother. 
A  poor  afflicted  child,  I  kneel 

Before  my  heavenly  Father's  seat, 
To  tell  him  all  the  grief  I  feel, 

And  spread  my  sorrows  at  his  feet. 

Yet  I  must  weep,  I  cannot  stay 

These  tears  that  trickle  while  I  bend, 

Since  thou  art  pleas'd  to  take  away 
So  dear,  so  very  dear  a  friend. 

And  now  I  recollect  with  pain 

The  many  times  I  grieved  her  sore; 

Oh!  if  she  would  but  come  again, 
I  think  I'd  vex  her  so  no  more. 

How  I  would  watch  her  gentle  eye ! 

'Twould  be  my  wish  to  do  her  will ! 
And  she  should  never  have  to  sigh 

Again,  for  my  behaving  ill ! 


HYMNS.  43 

But  since  she's  gone  so  far  away, 
And  cannot  profit  by  my  pains, 

Let  me  this  child-like  duty  pay 
To  that  dear  parent  who  remains: 

Let  me  console  his  broken  heart, 
And  be  his  comfort,  by  my  care; 

That  when  at  last  we  come  to  part, 
I  may  not  have  such  griefs  to  bear. 


30. 

FOR  SABBATH  EVENING. 

We've  pass'd  another  Sabbath  day, 
And  heard  of  Jesus  and  of  heaven: 

We  thank  thee  for  thy  word,  and  pray 
That  this  day's  sins  may  be  forgiven. 

Forgive  our  inattention,  Lord, 

Our  looks  and  thoughts  that  went  astray^ 
Forgive  our  carelessness  abroad; 

At  home,  our  idleness  and  play. 

May  all  we  heard  and  understood 

Re  well  remembered  through  the  week, 


44  HYMNS. 

And  help  to  make  us  wise  and  good, 
More  humble,  diligent,  and  meek. 

Bless  our  good  minister,  we  pray, 
Who  loves  to  see  a  child  attend, 

And  let  us  honour  and  obey 

The  words  of  such  a  holy  friend. 

So  when  our  lives  are  finished  here, 
And  days  and  Sabbaths  shall  be  o'er, 

May  we  along  with  him  appear, 
To  serve  and  love  thee  evermore. 


31. 

TIME    AND    ETERNITY. 

How  long,  sometimes,  a  day  appears! 

And  weeks  how  long  are  they! 
Months  move  as  slow  as  if  the  years 

Would  never  pass  away. 

It  seems  a  long,  long  time  ago 
That  I  was  taught  to  read; 

And  since  I  was  a  babe,  I  know 
'Tis  very  long  indeed. 


HYMNS.  45 

But  even  years  are  passing  by. 

And  soon  must  all  be  gone; 
For  day  by  day,  as  minutes  fly, 

Eternity  comes  on. 

Days,  months,  and  years  must  have  an  end; 

Eternity  has  none; 
'Twill  always  have  as  long  to  spend 

As  when  it  first  begun! 

Great  God!  an  infant  cannot  tell 

How  such  a  thing  can  be; 
I  only  pray  that  I  may  dwell 

That  long,  long  time  with  thee. 


32. 

THE  DAY  OF  JUDGMENT. 

How  dreadful,  Lord,  will  be  the  day, 
When  all  the  tribes  of  dead  shall  rise; 

And  those  who  dar'd  to  disobey 

Be  dragg'd  before  thy  piercing  eyes! 

The  wicked  child,  who  often  heard 
His  pious  parents  speak  of  thee, 


46  HYMNS. 

And  fled  from  every  serious  word, 
Shall  not  be  able  then  to  flee. 

No:  he  shall  see  them  burst  the  tomb, 
And  rise,  and  leave  him  trembling  there, 

To  hear  his  everlasting  doom, 

With  shame,  and  terror,  and  despair. 

Whilst  they  appear  at  thy  right  hand, 
With  saints  and  angels  round  the  throne; 

He,  a  poor  guilty  wretch,  shall  stand, 
And  bear  thy  dreadful  wrath  alone! 

No  parent,  then,  shall  bid  him  pray 
To  Him,  who  now  the  sinner  hears; 

For  Christ  himself  shall  turn  away, 
And  show  no  pity  to  his  tears. 

Great  God!  I  tremble  at  the  thought; 

And  at  thy  feet  for  mercy  bend; 
That,  when  to  judgment  I  am  brought, 

The  Judge  himself  may  be  my  friend. 


HYMNS.  4? 


33. 

"  THOUGH  THE  LORD  BE  HIGH,  YET  HATH  HE 
RESPECT  UNTO  THE  LOWLY." 

Where  is  the  high  and  lofty  One? 

His  dwelling  is  afar; 
He  lives  beyond  the  blazing  sun, 

And  every  distant  star. 

But  God,  whom  thousand  worlds  obey, 

Descends  to  earthly  ground, 
And  dwells  in  cottages  of  clay, 

If  there  his  saints  are  found. 

Is  not  the  heaven  of  heavens  his  own? 

Yes,  he  is  Lord  of  all  5 
And  there,  before  his  awful  throne, 

The  saints  and  angels  fall. 

But,  little  child,  with  joy  attend; 

For  if  you  love  him  too, 
This  mighty  God  will  condescend 

To  come  and  dwell  with  you. 


48  HYMNS. 

34. 

FOR  CHILDREN  AT  A  SUNDAY  SCHOOL. 

Lord,  may  a  few  young  children  raise 
To  thee  a  hymn  of  humble  praise? 
'Tis  by  thy  great  compassion  we 
Are  taught  to  love  and  worship  thee. 

What  wicked  children  we  have  been ! 
Alas !  how  soon  we  learned  to  sin ! 
But  now  we  learn  to  read  and  pray, 
And  not  to  break  the  Sabbath  day. 

How  condescending  God  must  be, 
To  love  such  little  ones  as  we! 
He  saw  our  sin  with  angry  frown, 
And  yet  he  look'd  with  pity  down. 

O  if  we  should  again  begin 
To  grieve  our  God,  and  turn  to  sin, 
And  let  our  guilty  passions  loose, 
We  now  shall  be  without  excuse. 

Remember,  Lord,  we  are  but  dust, 
'Tis  to  thy  grace  alone  we  trust; 
Do  thou  instruct  and  guide  us  still, 
That  we  may  ne'er  forget  thy  will. 


HYMNS. 


49 


35. 

A    MINUTE. 

A  minute,  how  soon  it  is  flown! 
And  yet  how  important  it  is ! 
God  calls  ev'ry  moment  his  own, 
For  all  our  existence  is  his; 
And  though  we  may  waste  them  in  folly  and 

play, 
He  notices  each  that  we  squander  away. 

Why  should  we  a  minute  despise 
Because  it  so  quickly  is  o'er? 
We  know  that  it  rapidly  flies, 

And  therefore  should  prize  it  the  more. 
Another,  indeed,  may  appear  in  its  stead, 
But  that  precious  minute  for  ever  is  fled. 

'Tis  easy  to  squander  our  years 

In  idleness,  folly,  and  strife; 

But,  oh !  no  repentance  or  tears 

Can  bring  back  one  moment  of  life; 
But  time,  if  well  spent,  and  improved  as  it  goes, 
Will  render  life  pleasant,  and  peaceful  its  close. 


50  HYMNS. 

And  when  all  the  minutes  are  past, 

Which  God  for  our  portion  has  given, 
We  shall  cheerfully  welcome  the  last, 
If  it  safely  conduct  us  to  heaven. 
The  richest  of  blessings  our  Father  can  send 
Is  that  life  of  happiness  never  to  end. 


36. 

a  child's  grave. 
What  is  this  little  grassy  mound, 

Where  pretty  daisies  bloom? 
What  is  there  lying  under  ground? 

It  is  an  infant's  tomb. 

Alas,  poor  baby!  did  it  die? 

How  dismal  that  must  be! 
To  bid  this  pretty  world  good  by 

Seems  very  sad  to  me. 

Silence,  my  child;  for  could  we  hear 

This  happy  baby's  voice, 
We  should  not  drop  another  tear, 

But  triumph  and  rejoice : 


51 


44  O  do  not  ever  weep  for  me," 

The  happy  soul  would  say; 
44  Nor  grieve,  dear  child,  that  I  am  free 

4fc  From  that  poor  sleeping  clay. 

44  Mourn  not  because  my  feeble  breath 
44  Was  stopp'd  as  soon  as  given; 

44  There's  nothing  terrible  in  death 
44  To  those  who  come  to  heaven. 

4fc  No  sin,  no  sorrow,  no  complaints, 
44  My  pleasures  here  destroy: 

44  I  live  with  God  and  all  his  saints, 
44  And  endless  is  our  joy. 

44  While,  with  the  spirits  of  the  just, 

4i  My  Saviour  I  adore, 
44 1  smile  upon  my  sleeping  dust, 

44  That  now  can  weep  no  more." 


37. 

A    CHILD?S    PRAYER  IN    6ICKNESS. 

Since,  mighty  God,  my  health,  and  ease, 
And  life,  belong  to  thee, 


5%  HYMNS. 

I  should  not  murmur,  though  thou  please 
To  take  them  all  from  me. 

Thou  hast  a  right  to  use  thy  rod, 
Which  I  should  meekly  bear; 

And  yet  I  may  entreat  that  God 
A  sinful  child  would  spare. 

I  own  the  comforts  I  possess, 

And  thank  thy  care  of  me, 
While  thousands  languish  in  distress, 

And  pine  in  poverty: 

Yet  look  with  pity  on  my  pain; 

My  little  strength  restore; 
And  grant  me  life  and  health  again, 

To  serve  thee  evermore. 


38. 

A    HYMN    OF    PRAISE    FOR    RECOVERY. 

Lord,  thou  hast  heard  my  humble  voice, 

For  all  my  pains  depart: 
O  grant  that  I  may  now  rejoice 

With  thankfulness  of  heart. 


HYMNS.  53 

Many  have  died  as  young  as  I, 

Though  nurs'd  with  equal  care; 
But  God  in  pity  heard  my  cry, 

And  has  been  pleas'd  to  spare. 

Let  me  improve  the  years,  or  days, 

Thy  mercy  lends  me  here; 
And  show  my  gratitude  and  praise, 

By  living  in  thy  fear. 
And,  lest  I  need  thy  rod  again, 

I  pray  thee  to  impart, 
As  long  as  health  or  life  remain, 

A  thankful,  humble  heart. 

39. 

FOR  A  VERY  LITTE  CHILD  IN  SICKNESS. 

Almighty  God,  Pm  very  ill, 
But  cure  me,  if  it  be  thy  will; 
For  thou  canst  take  away  my  pain, 
And  make  me  strong  and  well  again 

Let  me  be  patient  every  day, 
And  mind  what  those  who  nurse  me  say; 
And  grant  that  all  I  have  to  take 
May  do  me  good,  for  Jesus'  sake. 


HYMNS. 


54 


FOR    A    VERY     LITTLE     CHILD,    UPON    GETTING 
WELL. 

I  thank  the  Lord,  who  lives  on  high: 

He  heard  an  infant  pray, 
And  cur'd  me,  that  I  should  not  die, 

And  took  my  pains  away, 

O  let  me  thank  and  love  thee  too, 

As  long  as  I  shall  live; 
And  every  naughty  thing  I  do, 

I  pray  thee  to  forgive. 

41. 

FOR  A  DYING   CHILD. 

My  Heavenly  Father,  I  confess 

That  all  thy  ways  are  just, 
Although  I  faint  with  sore  distress, 

And  now  draw  near  the  dust. 

How  soon  my  health  and  strength  are  lied ! 

And  life  is  nearly  past! 
0  3mile  upon  my  dying  bed, 

And  love  me  to  the  last 


HYMNS.  55 

0  take  this  guilty  soul  of  mine, 

That  now  will  soon  be  gone, 
And  wash  it  clean,  and  make  it  shine, 

"With  heavenly  garments  on. 

Be  pleas'd  to  grant  me  easy  death, 

If  'tis  thy  holy  will, 
And  bid  the  struggles  of  my  breath 

And  all  my  pains  be  still. 

Now,  Lord,  in  heaven  hear  my  prayer; 

Accept  my  dying  praise; 
And  let  me  quickly  meet  thee  there, 

A  better  sons:  to  raise. 


42. 

PRAISE  FOR  DAILY  MERCIES. 

Lord,  I  would  own  thy  tender  care 

And  all  thy  love  to  mo: 
The  food  I  eat,  the  clothes  I  wear 

Are  all  bestow'd  by  thee. 

*Tis  thou  preservest  me  from  death 
And  clangers  every  hour: 


56 


HYMNS. 


I  cannot  draw  another  breath 
Unless  thou  give  me  power. 

Kind  angels  guard  me  every  night. 

As  round  my  bed  they  stay? 
Nor  am  I  absent  from  thy  sight 

In  darkness,  or  by  day. 

My  health,  and  friends,  and  parents  dear, 

To  me  by  God  are  given, 
I  have  not  any  blessing  here 

But  what  is  sent  from  Heaven. 

Such  goodness,  Lord,  and  constant  care, 

A  child  can  ne'er  repay; 
But  may  it  be  my  daily  prayer 

To  love  thee  and  obey. 


43. 

THE  EXAMPLE  OF  CHRIST. 

Jesus  Christ,  my  Lord  and  Saviour, 
Once  became  a  child  like  me: 

O  that  in  my  whole  behaviour 
He  my  pattern  still  may  be. 


HYMNS.  57 

All  my  nature  is  unholy; 

Pride  and  passion  dwell  within: 
But  the  Lord  was  meek  and  lowly. 

And  was  never  known  to  sin. 

While  I'm  often  vainly  trying 

Some    lew  pleasure  to  possess, 
He  was  -J ways  self-denying, 

Patient  in  his  worst  distress. 

Lord,  assist  a  feeble  creature; 

Guide  me  by  thy  word  of  truth; 
Condescend  to  be  my  teacher 

Through  my  childhood  and  my  youth. 

0  permit  me  not  to  harden 

In  my  sin,  and  be  content; 
But  bestow  a  gracious  pardon, 

And  assist  me  to  repent. 


58 


HYMNS. 


44. 

"  JESUS    SAID,   SUFFER    LITTLE    CHILDREN    TO 
COME  UNTO   ME." 

As  infants  once  to  Christ  were  brought, 
That  he  might  bless  them  there, 

So  now  we  little  children  ought 
To  seek  the  same  by  prayer. 

For  when  their  feeble  hands  were  spread, 

And  bent  each  infant  knee, 
"Forbid  them  not,"  the  Saviour  said: 

And  so  he  says  for  me. 

Though  now  he  is  not  here  below, 
But  on  his  heavenly  hill, 


HYMNS.  59 

To  him  may  little  children  go, 
And  seek  a  blessing  still. 

Well  pleas'd  that  little  flock  to  see, 

The  Saviour  kindly  smil'd: 
Oh,  then,  he  will  not  frown  on  me 

Because  I  am  a  child. 

For  as  so  many  years  ago 

Poor  babes  his  pity  drew, 
I'm  sure  he  will  not  let  me  go 

Without  a  blessing  too. 

Then,  while  this  favour  to  implore, 

My  little  hands  are  spread, 
Do  thou  thy  sacred  blessing  pour, 

Dear  Jesus,  on  my  head. 


45. 

LOVE  TO  JESUS. 

When  Jesus  Christ  was  here  below, 
And  spread  his  works  of  love  abroad, 

If  I  had  liv'd  so  long  ago, 

I  think  I  should  have  lov'd  the  Lord. 


60  HYMNS. 

Jesus,  who  was  so  very  kind, 
Who  came  to  pardon  sinful  men, 

Who  heal'd  the  sick,  and  cur'd  the  blind, 
O!  must  I  not  have  lov?d  him  then? 

But  where  is  Jesus? — is  he  dead? 

O  no!  he  lives  in  heaven  above; 
"  And  blest  are  they,"  the  Saviour  said, 

"  Who,   though  they  have  not   seen  me, 
love." 

He  sees  us  from  his  throne  on  high, 
As  well  as  when  on  earth  he  dwelt; 

And  when  to  him  young  children  cry, 
He  feels  such  love  as  then  he  felt. 

And  if  the  Lord  will  grant  me  grace, 
Much  I  will  love  him,  and  adore; 

But  when  in  heaven  I  see  his  face, 
'Twill  be  my  joy  to  love  him  more. 


61 


46. 

GOD   EVERY  WHERE. 

God  made  the  world,  in  every  land 
His  love  and  power  are  shown: 

All  are  protected  by  his  hand, 
But  few  his  goodness  own. 

He  sees  and  governs  distant  lands, 
And  constant  bounty  pours, 

From  wild  Arabia's  burning  sands 
To  Lapland's  frozen  shores. 

In  forest  shades,  and  silent  plains, 
Where  feet  have  never  trod, 

There  in  his  mighty  power  he  reigns, 
The  ever  present  God. 

All  the  inhabitants  of  earth 
Who  dwell  beneath  the  sun, 

Of  different  nations,  name,  and  birth, 
He  knows  them  every  one. 

Alike  the  rich  and  poor  are  known, 
Thepolish'd  and  the  wild: 

He  sees  the  king  upon  his  throne, 
And  every  little  child. 

F 


62 


HYMNS. 


He  knows  the  worthy  from  the  vile, 
And  sends  his  mercy  down: 

None  are  too  mean  to  share  his  smile, 
Or  to  provoke  his  frown. 

Great  God !  and  since  thy  piercing  eye 

My  inmost  heart  can  see, 
Teach  me  from  every  sin  to  fly, 

And  turn  that  heart  to  thee. 


47. 

"though  he  was  rich,  yet,  for  our  sakes, 

he  became  poor."  ' 
Jesus  was  once  despis'd  and  low, 

A  stranger,  and  distress'd; 
Without  a  home  to  which  to  go, 

Or  pillow  where  to  rest: 

Once  he  was  bound  with  prickly  thorns, 

And  scoff 'd  at  in  his  pain; 
Now  a  bright  crown  his  head  adorns, 

And  he  is  king  again. 

But  what  a  condescending  king! 
Who,  though  he  reigns  so  high, 


HYMNS.  63 

Is  pleased  when  little  children  sing, 
And  listens  to  their  cry. 

He  sees  them  from  his  heavenly  throne, 

He  watches  all  their  ways, 
And  stoops  to  notice  for  his  own 

The  youngest  child  that  prays. 


48. 

FOR  A  CHILD  THAT  IS  SORRY    FOR    A  FAULT. 

Lord,  I  have  dar'd  to  disobey 

My  friends  on  earth,  and  thee  in  heaven; 

0  help  me  now  to  come  and  pray, 
For  Jesus'  sake,  to  be  forgiven. 

1  cannot  say  I  did  not  know, 

For  I've  been  taught  thy  holy  will, 
And  while  my  conscience  told  me  so, 
And  bade  me  stop,  I  did  it  still. 

But  thou  wast  there  to  see  my  crime, 
And  write  it  in  thy  judgment-book, 

O  make  me  fear,  another  time, 

A  sinful  thought,  or  word,  or  look. 


64 


HYMNS. 


Forgive  me.  Lord;  forgive,  I  pray, 
This  naughty  thing  that  I  have  done; 

And  take  my  sinful  heart  away, 
And  make  me  holy,  like  thy  Son. 


49. 


INSTRUCTION    FROM    THE    HEAVENS. 

Stars,  that  on  your  wondrous  way 
Travel  through  the  evening  sky, 


65 


Is  there  nothing  yon  can  say 
To  such  a  little  child  as  Ir 
Tell  me,  for  I  long  to  know, 
Who  has  made  you  sparkle  so? 

Yes,  methinks  I  hear  you  say, 
Child  of  mortal  race,  attend, 

While  we  run  our  wondrous  way; 
Listen;  we  would  be  your  friend; 

Teaching  you  that  Name  Divine, 

By  whose  mighty  word  we  shine. 

Child,  as  truly  as  we  roll 

Through  the  dark  and  distant  sky, 
You  have  an  immortal  soul, 

Born  to  live  when  we  shall  die: 
Suns  and  planets  pass  away; 
Never  can  the  soul  decay. 

When  some  thousand  years,  at  most, 
All  their  little  time  has  spent, 

One  by  one  our  sparkling  host 
Shall  forsake  the  firmament: 

We  shall  from  our  glory  fall; 

You  must  live  beyond  us  all. 

Yes; — and  God,  who  bade  us  roll, 
God,  who  hung  us  in  the  sky, 
f  2 


66  HYMNS. 

Stoops  to  watch  an  infant's  soul 

With  a  condescending  eye; 
And  esteems  it  dearer  far. 
More  in  value,  than  a  star! 

O  then,  while  your  breath  is  given, 
Pour  it  out  in  fervent  prayer, 

And  beseech  the  God  of  heaven 
To  receive  your  spirit  there; 

Like  a  living  star  to  blaze 

Ever  to  your  Saviour's  praise." 


50. 

CHILDREN    ENCOURAGED  TO  SEEK  THE    LORD. 

Shall  I  presume  to  venture  near 

A  God  so  just  and  true? 
Or,  sinful  as  I  am,  appear 

Before  his  piercing  view? 

How  oft  I  grieve  his  holy  eye, 

And  break  his  righteous  law; 
And  think  some  thought  of  vanity 

With  every  breath  I  draw! 


HYMNS.  67 

Yet,  Lord,  a  sinful  child  may  turn 

To  wisdom's  pleasant  ways; 
For  Jesus'  sake,  thou  wilt  not  spurn 

My  feeble  prayer  and  praise. 

He  died,  that  sinners,  such  as  I, 

May  have  their  sins  forgiven; 
He  died,  that  sinners,  when  they  die, 

May  live  with  him  in  heaven. 

It  is  for  this  I  come  to  pray, 

And  on  his  grace  depend, 
That  even  at  the  judgment  day 

The  Lord  may  be  my  friend. 


51. 

UrON  LIFE. 

Lord,  what  is  life?    'Tis  like  a  flower, 
That  blossoms,  and  is  gone: 

We  see  it  flourish  for  an  hour, 
With  all  its  beauty  on; 

But  death  comes  like  a  wintry  day, 

And  cuts  the  pretty  flower  away. 


68  HYMNS. 

Lord,  what  is  life?  'Tis  like  the  bow 

That  glistens  in  the  sky: 
We  love  to  see  its  colours  glow; 

But  while  we  look  they  die: 
Life  fails  as  soon;  to-day,  'tis  here; 
To-night,  perhaps,  'twill  disappear. 
Some  thousand  years  have  passed  away 

Since  life  began  at  first, 
And  millions  once  alive  and  gay, 

Are  dead,  and  in  the  dust: 
For  life,  in  all  its  health  and  pride, 
Has  death  still  waiting  at  its  side. 

And  yet,  this  short,  uncertain  space 

So  foolishly  we  prize, 
That  heaven,  that  happy  dwelling  place, 

Seems  nothing  in  our  eyes! 
And  that  bright  world  of  lasting  bliss, 
We  disregard,  compared  with  this ! 
Lord,  what  is  life?  If  spent  with  thee, 

In  duty,  praise,  and  prayer, 
However  long  or  short  it  be, 

We  need  but  little  care; 
Because  eternity  will  last, 
When  life,  and  even  death  are  past. 


HYMNS.  69 


52. 

ON  DEATH. 

Where  shall  I  be,  when  I  shall  go 
From  this  vain  world  of  care  and  wo: 
None  ever  have  returned  to  tell 
The  joys  of  heaven,  or  pains  of  hell. 

Yet  heaven  must  be  a  world  of  bliss, 
Where  God  himself  for  ever  is; 
Where  saints  around  his  throne  adore, 
And  never  sin  nor  suffer  more. 

And  hell's  a  state  of  endless  wo, 
Where  unrepenting  sinners  go; 
Though  none  that  seek  the  Saviour's  grace 
Shall  ever  see  that  dreadful  place. 

O  let  me,  then,  at  once  apply 
To  him  who  did  for  sinners  die! 
And  this  shall  be  my  great  reward, 
To  dwell  forever  with  the  Lord. 


70  HYMNS. 

53. 

AGAINST  SELFISHNESS. 

Love  and  kindness  we  may  measure 

By  this  simple  rule  alone: 
Do  we  mind  our  neighbour's  pleasure. 

Just  as  if  it  were  our  own? 

Let  us  try  to  care  for  others, 
Nor  suppose  ourselves  the  best: 

We  should  all  be  friends  and  brothers, 
'Twas  the  Saviour's  last  request. 

His  example  we  should  borrow, 
Who  forsook  his  throne  above, 

And  endur'd  such  pain  and  sorrow, 
Out  of  tenderness  and  love. 

When  the  poor  are  unbefriended, 
When  we  will  not  pity  lend, 

Christ  accounts  himself  offended, 
Who  is  every  creature's  friend. 

Let  us  not  be  so  ungrateful, 
Thus  his  goodness  to  reward; 

Selfishness,  indeed,  is  hateful 
In  the  followers  of  the  Lord. 


HYMNS.  71 


54 


"in  the  morning  it  flourisheth  and 
groweth  up;  in  the  evening  it  is  cut 
down  and  withereth." 

The  flowers  of  the  field, 

That  quickly  fade  away, 
May  well  to  us  instruction  yield, 

Who  die  as  soon  as  they. 

That  pretty  rosebud  see, 

Decaying  on  the  walk; 
A  storm  came  sweeping  o'er  the  tree, 

And  broke  its  feeble  stalk. 

Just  like  an  early  rose, 

I've  seen  an  infant  bloom; 
But  Death,  perhaps  before  it  blows, 

Will  lay  it  in  the  tomb. 

Then  let  us  think  on  death, 

Though  we  are  young  and  gay; 
For  God,  who  gave  our  life  and  breath, 

Can  take  them  soon  away. 


HYMNS. 


To  God,  who  loves  them  all, 
Let  children  humbly  cry; 

And  then,  whenever  Death  may  call, 
May  they  be  fit  to  die. 


55. 

HUMILITY. 

In  a  modest  humble  mind 

God  himself  will  take  delight; 

But  the  proud  and  haughty  find 
They  are  hateful  in  his  sight. 

Jesus  Christ  was  meek  and  mild, 
And  no  angry  thoughts  allowed: 

0  then,  shall  a  little  child 

Dare  to  be  perverse  and  proud ! 

This,  indeed,  should  never  be; 

Lord,  forbid  it,  we  entreat; 
Grant  they  all  may  learn  of  thee, 

That  humility  is  sweet: 

Make  it  shine  in  every  part; 

Fill  them  with  this  heavenly  grace; 


HYMNS.  73 

For  a  little  infant's  heart 
Surely  is  its  proper  place. 

56. 

"  SET  YOUR  AFFECTIONS  ON  THINGS  ABOVE." 

Why  should  our  poor  enjoyments  here 
Be  thought  so  pleasant  and  so  dear, 

And  tempt  our  hearts  astray? 
Our  brightest  joys  are  fading  fast, 
The  longest  life  will  soon  be  past ; 
And  if  we  go  to  heaven  at  last, 

We  need  not  fear  that  day. 

For  when  we  come  to  dwell  above, 
Where  all  is  holiness  and  love, 

And  endless  pleasures  flow, 
Our  threescore  years  and  ten  will  seem 
Just  like  a  short  and  busy  dream; 
And  O,  how  poor  we  then  shall  deem 

Our  best  pursuits  below ! 

Perhaps  the  happy  saints  in  bliss 
Look  down  from  their  bright  world  to  this, 
Where  once  they  used  to  dwell, 


74  HYMNS. 

And  wonder  why  we  trifle  so, 
And  love  these  vanities  below, 
And  live  as  if  we  did  not  know- 
There  was  a  heaven  and  hell. 


57. 

FOR  THE  LAST  DAY  OF  THE  YEAR. 

This  year  is  just  going  away, 

The  moments  are  finishing  fast: 
My  heart,  have  you  nothing  to  say 

Concerning  the  things  that  are  past! 
Now,  while  in  my  chamber  alone, 

Where  God  will  be  present  to  hear, 
111  try  to  remember  and  own, 

The  faults  I've  committed  this  vear. 


O  Lord,  I'm  asham'd  to  confess 
How  often  I've  broken  thy  day ! 

Perhaps  I  have  thought  of  my  dress, 
Or  wasted  the  moments  in  play; 


HYMNS.  75 

And  when  the  good  minister  tried 

To  make  little  children  attend, 
I  was  thinking  of  something  beside, 

Or  wishing  the  sermon  would  end! 


How  often  I  rose  from  my  bed, 

And  did  not  remember  my  prayer; 
Or  if  a  few  words  I  have  said, 

My  thoughts  have  been  going  elsewhere ! 
Ill  temper,  and  passion,  and  pride, 

Have  grieved  my  dear  parents  and  thee; 
And  seldom  I  really  tried 

Obedient  and  gentle  to  be ! 


But,  Lord,  thou  already  hast  known 

Much  more  of  my  folly  than  I; 
There  is  not  a  fault  I  can  own, 

Too  little  for  God  to  descry: 
Yet  hear  me,  and  help  me  to  feel 

How  wicked  and  weak  I  must  be; 
And  let  me  not  try  to  conceal 

The  largest,  or  smallest  from  thee. 

This  year  is  just  going  away, 
The  moments  are  finishing  fast; 
g  2 


76  HYMNS. 

Look  down  in  thy  mercy,  I  pray, 
To  pardon  the  sin  that  is  past: 

And  as  soon  as  another  begins, 
So  help  me  to  walk  in  thy  fear, 

That  I  may  not  with  follies  and  sins 
So  foolishly  waste  a  new  year. 


58. 

THE  LILY  OF  THE  VALLEY. 

Come,  my  love,  and  do  not  spurn 
From  a  little  flower  to  learn; 
See  the  lily  on  the  bed, 
Hanging  down  its  modest  head; 
While  it  scarcely  can  be  seen, 
Folded  in  its  leaf  of  green. 

Yet  we  love  the  lily  well, 
For  its  sweet  and  pleasant  smell; 
And  would  rather  call  it  ours, 
Than  some  other  gayer  flowers; 
Pretty  lilies  seem  to  be 
Emblems  of  humility. 


HYMNS.  77 


Come,  my  love,  and  do  not  spurn 
From  a  little  flower  to  learn: 
Let  your  temper  be  as  sweet 
As  the  lily  at  your  feet: 
Be  as  gentle,  be  as  mild; 
Be  a  modest,  simple  child. 

'Tis  not  beauty  that  we  prize; 
Like  a  summer  flower  it  dies; 
But  humility  will  last, 
Fair  and  sweet  when  beauty's  past; 
And  the  Saviour  from  above 
Views  a  humble  child  with  leve. 


59. 

"THEN  THE  LORD  CALLED  SAMUEL,  AND 
SAMUEL  SAID,  SPEAK,  FOR  THY  SERVANT 
HEARETH." 

When  little  Samuel  woke, 

And  heard  his  Maker's  voice, 
At  every  word  he  spoke, 

How  much  did  he  rejoice! 
g  3 


4  Q  HYMNS. 

O  blessed,  happy  child,  to  find 

The  God  of  heaven  so  near  and  kind ! 

If  God  would  speak  to  me, 
And  say  He  was  my  friend, 

How  happy  should  I  be! 
0  how  would  I  attend! 

The  smallest  sin  I  then  should  fear, 

If  God  Almighty  were  so  near. 

And  does  he  never  speak 

O  yes;  for  in  his  word 
He  bids  me  come  and  seek 

The  God  that  Samuel  heard: 
In  almost  every  page  I  see, 
The  God  of  Samuel  calls  to  me. 

And  I  beneath  his  care 
May  safely  rest  my  head; 

I  know  that  God  is  there, 
To  guard  my  humble  bed; 

And  every  sin  I  well  may  fear, 

Since  God  Almighty  is  so  near 

Like  Samuel,  let  me  say, 
Whene'er  I  read  his  word, 


HYMNS. 


79 


"  Speak,  Lord;  I  would  obey 

"The  voice  that  I  have  heard: 
"  And  when  I  in  thy  house  appear, 
"  Speak,  for  thy  servant  waits  to  hear. 


60. 


ON  REPEATING   SCRIPTURE  LESSONS. 

As  Mary  sat  at  Jesus'  feet, 
To  learn  her  Maker's  will, 

We  in  the  Saviour's  presence  meet, 
And  hear  his  doctrine  still, 
g  4 


80  HYMNS. 

O  for  that  meek  attentive  mind, 
Which  happy  Mary  show'd: 

And  that  instruction  may  we  find, 
That  was  on  her  bestow'd. 

Here  we  are  taught  the  sacred  word 
The  Saviour  first  conveyed; 

And  here  the  doctrines  we  have  heard 
Are  plain  and  easy  made. 

'Tis  here  we  learn  the  glorious  name 

Of  God,  who  reigns  above; 
And  while  we  read  of  sinners'  shame, 

Are  taught  the  Saviour's  love. 

Lord !  while  we  thank  thee  for  the  grace 
That  sends  this  happy  news, 

We  still  would  sit  in  Mary's  place, 
Her  better  part  to  choose. 


HYMNS.  81 


61. 

BROTHERLY  LOVE. 

The  God  of  heaven  is  pleas'd  to  see 
A  little  family  agree; 
And  will  not  slight  the  praise  they  bring, 
When  loving  children  join  to  sing. 

For  love  and  kindness  please  him  more 
Than  if  we  give  him  all  our  store; 
And  children  here,  who  dwell  in  love, 
Are  like  his  happy  ones  above. 

The  gentle  child,  that  tries  to  please; 
That  hates  to  quarrel,  fret,  and  tease; 
And  would  not  say  an  angry  word: 
That  child  is  pleasing  to  the  Lord. 

Great  God!  forgive,  whenever  we 
Forget  thy  will,  and  disagree; 
And  grant  that  each  of  us  may  find 
The  sweet  delight  of  being  kind. 
g  5 


82  HYMNS. 


62. 

THE  CONDESCENSION  OF  GOD. 

God!  what  a  great  and  awful  word! 

0  who  can  speak  his  worth ! 
By  saints  in  heaven  he  is  ador'd, 

And  fear'd  by  men  on  earth; 
And  yet  a  little  child  may  bend, 
And  say,  My  Father  and  my  friend ! 

The  glorious  sun  that  blazes  high; 

The  moon,  more  pale  and  dim; 
And  all  the  stars  that  fill  the  sky, 

Are  made  and  rul'd  by  him; 
And  yet  a  child  may  ask  his  care, 
And  call  upon  his  name  in  prayer! 

And  this  large  world  of  ours  below, 

The  waters  and  the  land, 
With  all  the  trees  and  flowers  that  grow, 

Were  fashion'd  by  his  hand; 
Yes,  and  he  forms  our  infant  race: 
And  even  I  may  seek  his  grace ! 


HYMNS.  83 

Ten  thousand  angels  sing  his  praise 

On  high,  to  harps  of  gold; 
But  holy  angels  dare  not  gaze, 

His  brightness  to  behold: 
Yet  a  poor  lowly  infant  may 
Lift  up  his  voice  to  God,  and  pray! 

The  saints  in  heaven  before  him  fall, 

And  round  his  throne  appear; 
Adam,  and  Abraham,  and  all 

Who  lov'd  and  serv'd  him  nere; 
And  I,  a  child  on  earth,  may  raise 
My  feeble  voice  in  humble  praise. 

O  yes;  when  little  children  cry, 

He  hearkens  to  their  prayer; 
His  throne  of  grace  is  always  lugftj 

And  I  will  venture  there; 
I'll  go,  depending  on  his  word, 
And  seek  his  grace,  through  Christ  the  Lord. 


84 


63. 

HEAVEN  AND  EARTH. 

Come,  let  us  now  forget  our  mirth, 
And  think  that  we  must  die: 

What  are  our  best  delights  on  earth, 
Compared  with  those  on  high? 

A  sad  and  sinful  world  is  this, 

Although  it  seems  so  fair; 
But  heaven  is  perfect  joy  and  bliss, 

For  God  himself  is  there. 

Here  all  our  pleasures  soon  are  past, 

Our  brightest  joys  decay; 
But  pleasures  there  for  ever  last, 

And  cannot  fade  away. 

Here  many  a  pain  and  bitter  groan, 

Our  feeble  bodies  tear; 
But  pain  and  sickness  are  not  known, 

And  never  shall  be,  there. 

Here  sins  and  sorrows  we  deplore, 

With  many  cares  distrest; 
But  there  the  mourners  weep  no  more, 

And  there  the  weary  rest. 


HYMNS. 


&5 


Our  dearest  friends,  when  death  shall  call, 

At  once  must  hence  depart; 
But  there  we  hope  to  meet  them  all, 

And  never,  never  part. 

Then  let  us  love  and  serve  the  Lord 
With  all  our  youthful  powers; 

And  we  shall  gain  this  great  reward, 
This  glory  shall  be  ours. 


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